Page 110 of My Real Love Affair

She sat up slightly. “Go away where?”

“I don’t know yet. Somewhere warm. Somewhere private. Somewhere we can just be together without the rest of the world weighing in.” I was getting excited about the idea now. “You can work from anywhere, can’t you?”

“Yes, but?—”

“No buts.” I cut her off gently. “Let me take you away. Let me show you what it’s like when it’s just us and no one else’s expectations.” I pulled her back down to me. “I have the perfect idea. But I need to make some calls first.”

“Austin.”

“Trust me. You’ll love it.” I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “But right now, we still have plenty of hours beforesunrise. And I’m just getting started showing you all the benefits of breaking the rules.”

“Oh really?”

“Really.” I rolled her beneath me, loving the way she laughed. “I’m very thorough when I put my mind to something.”

“I’m learning that.”

“Good.” I kissed her slowly. “Lesson two begins now.”

“There are lessons?”

“Many lessons. I’m a dedicated teacher.”

She pulled me down for another kiss, and I forgot about everything else.

CHAPTER 34

MELODY

Iwoke to the feeling of Austin’s arm draped over my hip, his body warm and solid against my back.

We were naked. Completely, gloriously naked. The expensive Egyptian cotton sheets were soft against my skin, and the weight of Austin’s arm felt like an anchor. It grounded me in the moment.

I was naked in bed with Austin Bancroft.

Holy shit.

Cleo was going to lose her mind when I told her. And I would tell her because I told her everything and she would just know anyway.

I was comfortable in a way I’d never been with anyone else. No rushing to cover myself. No self-consciousness about my body. Just contentment. “Blissed out” was probably the right term.

I realized I was smiling. When I had ever woke up smiling?

The suite around us looked even more incredible in the morning light. Everything was cream and gold and understated luxury. The kind of place I would’ve scrolled past on Instagram thinking “must be nice” without ever imagining I’d actually be here.

Rain struck the windows of the balcony doors. It was a dreary spring day, all gray and icky, but I was tucked up close to the world’s sexiest man. It was like we were in our own little world, separated from shitty weather and judgmental people.

Somewhere in the room, I heard my phone buzzing. Probably still in my clutch from last night. The battery was probably dying. I should get it. Check messages. Make sure Cleo wasn’t panicking.

But I didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to break this spell.

Austin’s breathing was deep and even behind me. Still asleep. I turned my head slightly to look at his dark lashes against his cheeks and his hair mussed from sleep. Okay, the sleeping wasnotwhat mussed his hair. His face was relaxed in a way I rarely saw when he was awake.

He looked younger like this. Less guarded. More at peace. I could get used to waking up like this. To him. To this. The thought should have terrified me. Three months ago, I would’ve run screaming from the idea of getting this attached to someone, especially someone with Austin Bancroft’s reputation.

But now? Now I just wanted to memorize this moment. Store it away for later when reality inevitably crashed back in.

Austin stirred, his arm tightening around me. His lips brushed my shoulder, soft and drowsy.